New Delhi
Following the conclusion of the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday, Congress leader Ajay Maken raised concerns about a new rule barring candidates’ counting agents from the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) tables during the vote counting process on June 4. Maken emphasized the gravity of this issue, stating it is “bigger than the alleged EVM rigging,” and urged the Election Commission of India to address it promptly.
Maken shared his concerns on X, stating, “Candidate’s Counting Agents’ at the ARO table are NOT being allowed for the first time. I have contested 9 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in the past – And this is happening for the first time. If true, this is bigger than the alleged EVM rigging! I am flagging this issue for all candidates! I hope @ECISVEEP rectifies it soon.”
However, the Chief Election Officer of Delhi clarified that counting agents of candidates are indeed allowed at the tables of Returning Officers (RO) and AROs, providing reassurance amid the confusion.
The Lok Sabha elections, spanning seven phases, began on April 19 and concluded on June 1, with an approximate voter turnout of 62.36% in the final phase across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, according to the Election Commission (ECI). The EC expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including voters, polling personnel, security forces, media, and political parties, for their participation in the extensive polling process.
